Level 3 is the primary content provider for Netflix and has recently come under attack by Comcast. The press release included the following:

“On November 19, 2010, Comcast informed Level 3 that, for the first time, it will demand a recurring fee from Level 3 to transmit Internet online movies and other content to Comcast’s customers who request such content. By taking this action, Comcast is effectively putting up a toll booth at the borders of its broadband Internet access network, enabling it to unilaterally decide how much to charge for content which competes with its own cable TV and Xfinity delivered content. This action by Comcast threatens the open Internet and is a clear abuse of the dominant control that Comcast exerts in broadband access markets as the nation’s largest cable provider.”

“On November 22, after being informed by Comcast that its demand for payment was ‘take it or leave it,’ Level 3 agreed to the terms, under protest, in order to ensure customers did not experience any disruptions.”

When questioned, Netflix would not comment on this situation. (The above report is a gyst from Stacey Higginbotham)

My opinion. The internet is and should remain free. If companies like Comcast are enabled to put up boundaries that, when crossed, trigger fees, then the internet as we know it will be dead and information will no longer be available to those in search of it. I urge you to sign the petition started by BoldProgressive.com, “Don’t let Comcast block Netflix or other online innovators for their own profit! Support the strongest Net Neutrality protections possible — and keep Obama’s promise.”